Review: 2025 Mazda CX-70 (Inline-6 + PHEV) - Unbeatable Premium Value

[@panzer_TZ]

It's good to hear that Mazda is continuously tuning and updating. The CX-90 was an all-new car, platform, and powertrain(literally the worst combination for a new car), so I wasn't surprised there were kinks and issues from early reviews. Mazda is typically good at taking feedback and improving quickly.

[@JustinUrban1]

I got my CX-70 PHEV Premium Plus two weeks ago. Went from a Jeep Cherokee Overland to this and I am blown away by how much I love this vehicle.

[@schellingrs]

Mazda has become a luxury brand almost.

[@aceofspades6667]

Solid review Matt, have a great day!

[@MattMaranMotoring]

Thanks! You too!

[@rockboy1108]

You can set it up in to EV mode by default when you start the car. But it doesn't really make a lot of difference, the normal mode will use electric in pirority.

[@im_an_alvani]

Those front lower grilles totally transform the front end. Mazda is absolutely crushing it on the interiors. LOVE the zircon sand color they're doing.

[@Theonestrongbusleader]

Terrific job Matt & this would be my daily SUV.

[@GothRocker7]

Matt, Great review, I know you probably don't like the color black on this vehicle, but I think it looks really good, very luxury like, dare I say very Lincoln Aviator like. I really hope Mazda does a large sporty all wheel drive sedan using some of this platform. I will probably be buying if it is done right. Mazda will keep improving this new platform and power train.

[@heekim3373]

Matt u r prolly already aware; if u can, try to get the bright color spec. Black doesn’t help draw clicks and views. All things being equal, if manufacturers allow for choices, try to grab the brightest colored spec. That copper looks really good.

[@MattMaranMotoring]

Yeah I always try to get a color but at this stand-up spot I only could choose between white and black.

[@vokeuwedjojevwe3868]

😅​@@MattMaranMotoring

[@Therafester14]

Surprisingly well. I was questioning their decision initially on why they didn’t do the Passport thing. Great review if you don’t need a third row. All I need is a different infotainment

[@davevan9150]

Thanks for the helpful review Matt! Looks like this would be my choice for new CUV.

[@MattMaranMotoring]

Glad it was helpful for you! Thanks for watching!

[@Vayetsii]

Soul Red looks so good on the CX-70

[@sheldonduffy9442]

Excellent review Matt. I totally agree about the getting the Mazda over a luxury brand. I chose my PHEV CX-90 over an MDX because I would have had to pay $5,000 more (plus markup) for an Acura MDX Advance to get the features my Mazda had.

[@hossemadian7127]

Great review Matt!

[@MattMaranMotoring]

Thanks!

[@klasseact6663]

Mazda is ready to take on Acura at this point❗️

[@wayneyim8714]

It is nice that Mazda explained the reason for the CX70 being a 2-row version of the CX90, but I would still rather have a 6 inch shorter 90.

[@robertwilliam9558]

Matt, this was an excellent review. Thanks

[@MattMaranMotoring]

Thanks for watching, I'm glad you liked it!

[@yanal0611]

Great review. Very well done coverage in this car. Love Mazda as a brand so it’s nice to see them doing well with this segment.

[@MattMaranMotoring]

Thanks Yanal!

[@ted101975]

I might of missed it but does the plug in qualify for the 7500 tax credit?

[@MattMaranMotoring]

Only for a lease. It’s built in Japan.

[@dougrock9395]

Thank you for the review on the Mazda products I remember the first time I seen you reviewing the ram a torque pick up and you did a great job on that as well as the Honda pilot and Ridgeline thank you for all the useful information that you give everybody on all the vehicles and God bless you and your family and happy Independence Day

[@KuyaArbee]

Hey Matt Huge FAN! love the CX70 has bench seating for the higher set trims! it's a beautiful car! just wish it had more wheel options :) but none the less the MSRP price imho is a bit too high... yes it's suppose to be a value compared to other 2 row luxury cars which most if not all cars start at that MSRP. but yea can't wait for dealers to lower the price that they did with the CX90, I wish they offered darker wheels oem for the USA market... like they do in the Canadian market...

[@GooseVan]

In setting, you can select prioritize EV mode then the car will start in EV mode only. Use EV mode in town but do not use EV mode on highway.

[@sheldonduffy9442]

I have actually used EV on the highway… up to 80 mph. However, you get on too much of an incline and it will go to normal mode to maintain speed.

[@thatoneotherotherguy]

I do wish they had made it 6" shorter to better differentiate it, and basically be the only cheap straight six midsize SUV out there, but this is still cool. And it's great to hear they've worked on the drivability complaints auto journalists had. Would be nice if they offered the CX-70 in cheaper trims, I'm all about a low entry price for a straight six. Truthfully I have no interest in the PHEV version, I'm all ICE or all EV, with no interest in the middle ground.

[@richb8282]

Mazda makes great vehicles

[@FULLTHROTTLEAUTO]

If i was able to financially I'd definitely do the Turbo S Premium option. Good video. Keep up the good work.

[@MattMaranMotoring]

Thanks! 👍

[@bryantcurtis7]

I still would rather just them do the Cx 60, 90 and an updated CX-5 maybe they’ll get there.

[@RobTheNthusiast]

6:15 I honestly wish they had made it a coupy design to differentiate it more from the cx90

[@David_Journey]

It also helps cut down on useful trunk volume. I am glad they did not jump on bandwagon of dime a dozen pointless coupe SUVs

[@RobTheNthusiast]

@@David_Journey oh I agree, but I also feel like they should’ve just left it the same name as the cx90

[@GoofieNewfie]

Most saying phev over inline 6. But what I want to know is when the phev battery is depleted, how does it drive then? But the price of this is absurd.

[@MattMaranMotoring]

I give lots of driving impressions in this video with the battery depleted...

[@Thebuscommunityleader]

Amazing video Matt.

[@MattMaranMotoring]

Thanks!

[@StacyDaFunkBoogie]

Great review!

[@rodneynasir8089]

My CX-70 came with EV priority and it starts in electric mode each time. You can select a check box in the entertainment system to select that

[@rocketman3158]

Toyoya Highlander 2.4 turbo or this? Tough choice. 🎉

[@anydaynow01]

I wish these had either a memory function to keep it in the last mode it was in while driving or a menu option to pick electric only at startup until (if ever really) the range extender is needed.

[@blackedout5.0fan39]

Hi Matt! :)

[@kamk.1704]

Matt is getting buffed!

[@colla555]

I prefer the CX-60 with the 6 cylinder 3.3 liter Diesel engine.

[@lions208436]

Yes im reposting this. Another great review. Matt. Question, I'm hearing rumors of the 2025 Mazda 3 getting a mid yr refresh, but the news is the base engine will have the Skyactive X instead of the Skyactive G engine. Any news or truth to that? Also, the rear end of the hatch and sedan is a little sleeker looking?

[@MattMaranMotoring]

Thanks! I haven't heard anything about a Mazda3 refresh, but SkyactivX seems pretty unlikely to ever go mainstream since it doesn't seem to be much more efficient from what I've seen. I'll be sure to cover any news about a refresh in a Weekly Update once I hear something.

[@lions208436]

@@MattMaranMotoring much appreciated, and thanks for the reply

[@Randhawa1555]

Phev or Mhev which one is better in terms of performance nd fuel economy?? Any recommendations??

[@sheldonduffy9442]

Actually, the PHEV outperforms the Turbo S. I have the PHEV, and I also had a Turbo S for a week. In mostly city driving I only got around 22 mpg. I get close to 30 driving the PHEV when I don’t charge it daily. However, on the highway when you step on it above 65 mph the inline 6 is a little faster than the PHEV IMHO.

[@jsaini6953]

Still wish it was about 6 inches shorter in length. I guess I’ll wait for the passport refresh.

[@fr3ddy1461]

Do a Sorento Vs CX 70/90 comparison. I don’t think anybody has done that yet

[@lclnbm]

I like it but i wish it was the cx 60 from Japan

[@hellokyle_]

Do you think Matt it's worth looking at a Mazda 3 Turbo or is their 6 speed auto just not worth looking at in 2024?

[@MattMaranMotoring]

Their 6 speed auto is great! I like the Mazda3 Turbo a lot and if I needed something like that it would probably be my pick. Fantastic stereo, great looks and comfort, lots of punch, etc.

[@cablebrain9691]

Having two cars the same size is not alright, but they offer the CX-70, which is the same size as the CX-90.

[@playstation5427]

It looks great

[@WilliamTaylor19470515]

5 passenger is great, more that 50% of America is retired, big market for the 5 seater. Few 5 seat choices left. Even Hyundai has two same size 7 seaters now with the Pallisade and Santa Fe. So stupid.

[@LukeO-1234]

Here in all electric mode step on the gas. You mean step on the plug pedal 😂

[@andrewstadeker7679]

They hit the nail on the updated exterior and interior trim upgrades, then they sabotage the entire CX 90 and delete the 3rd row then rename it. Such a disappointment. Mazda, we need the 2nd row bench in the highest trims for the CX 90 with the same trims of your so-called CX 70. I just went in the showroom 2 days ago only to leave frustrated because the styling of the CX 70 hits all the marks but doesn't fulfill the seat requirements. And use the max seating and upgrades for the highest trim levels for the CX90 PHEV for 2025!

[@cablebrain9691]

It’s a CX-90 trim level.

[@BulkingPenguin]

The mpg sucks for a hybrid 24 city 28 highway lol

[@David_Journey]

You need to plug in, there is not point in using PHEV on empty battery.

[@David_Journey]

I am getting 42 mpg+ driving in good weather (does not include price of home charging)

[@asdpoi121]

Looks like a past CRV on the back styling with the bulge

[@CylinderScene]

Anyone else think the CX-70 would look awesome lowered with some wheel spacers?

[@ml.2770]

What doesn't look better lowered? Spacers are a dumb trend that will definitely be remembered as a sign of these times.

[@Donkeykong6400]

Looks like the filming location is in Saudi Arabia lol

[@Steve0foru]

The rear end is brutally ugly. Interior looks nice though.

[@legionmartin]

Don't understand the CX-70. Same platform as CX-90 but without 3rd row. The car also looks weird as though the design team just got lazy and decided to call it a day. The width appears to be very narrow with a high ceiling.

[@WilliamTaylor19470515]

So you get 26 miles of EV range, which is a benefit, but you have to use high test gas which defeated the 26miles of ev range, totally stupid

[@bobmustard2496]

You can use regular 87 gas. As explained in the user manual, a bit less horsepower but same torque. I am getting about 30 mile EV range here in the warm Florida climate. I always drive in normal mode, which is EV unless you need to accelerate hard to pass, etc. Then switches back to EV. I did the three year lease and got the $7500 credit, great deal.

[@whiteandnerdytuba]

Didn’t expect Mazda to screw up this badly. Is ford going to bring back the edge by removing the third row from an explorer and change nothing else

[@mediumrarepotato7385]

Mozda

[@velocityvibezzz]

Mazda has gotten pretty boring lately and their cars look similar. I see more Tucsons than these new Mazdas on the road. Wonder what they'll do to get some sales back in coming days. Maybe EVs ?

[@FeLiX13sLaVe]

Get some sales back? Their sales have been through the roof and they have been making considerable year-over-year gains.

[@erikhanes9491]

This is butt ugly , like how are they litterly going backwards on exterior design

[@David_Journey]

It is more practical this way 😅

[@Bmwguy2011]

Hi Matt, LOVE your review and thoroughness. Thanks for taking the time to be detailed. I’m considering the cx70, but can barely afford the base model, the preferred one. It’s still about $40,200 or thereabouts. No one but no one reviews this one. The seats seem-despite being “leather trim”-vinyl on the perforated part that you’re sitting on. My firm has to haul a fair amount of stuff and is between this or a used (app.) 2020 Ridgeline, running at about $28,500. Would you buy the Ridgeline and wait for the kinks to get worked out with the cx70? If I could afford the turbo s premium with the Napa leather, I probably would buy it. Any of your thoughts are appreciated. As an aside, would you consider doing a separate test of the preferred base cx70? It’s different from the high level ones that you showed here, retailing for nearly $20,000 less. Thanks !

[@MattMaranMotoring]

Thanks for appreciating the thoroughness! I’d love to review a base one but car companies don’t like putting lower trims into the press fleet for reviews. It’s still the same engine though and most of the same great goodness so between that and a Ridgeline I’d definitely go CX-70. Sportier, more comfortable, better tech, and with the 2025 revisions I have no complaints and haven’t observed any kinks myself, but I guess time will tell for that part. I like Ridgelines as an alternative to other trucks, but as far as SUVs go, CX-70 is one of my favorites. Hope that helps!

[@Bmwguy2011]

@ I can’t thank you enough, Matt, for your input. Realizing your sheer exposure to so many brands and models, knowledge of trends and expertise, you’ve greatly helped me with this painful / nearly insane / demented state of indecision that I’ve been wallowing in of late. I couldn’t decide which direction to go in. Laughably, to give you the likely end of the story, I ended up today/tomorrow buying a 16’ 330i wagon fully loaded for the high teens with 70k miles on it. I will probably end up buying the turbo s premium cx70 next year, but maybe a used one at a hopefully and radically reduced price. The greige leather trim just didn’t do it for me in the preferred trim as I want to end up with the nappa leather full interior and superior finishes of the hi line models. Keep up the great work! (I’m replacing a 2006 325xi wagon manual with the sports package, having hit 363,000 miles, a tough act to follow!)